In the News - February 2008
Springtime strolls great chance to view flora, fauna
LITTLE ROCK - Springtime is a great time to view all sorts of flora and fauna
along Arkansas’ wooded trails. Though the weather may still be a bit chilly,
this time of year is great for seeing things you might not ordinarily see.
"It depends on where you’re hiking to some extent. You may see cottontail
rabbits, gray and fox squirrels… you can always come across an opossum or
armadillo just about any time," says Rex Roberg, a wildlife expert with the
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"But in the spring, before leaf-up, is one of the best times to spot
wildlife."
A lot of what you’ll find outdoors this time of year, depends on your region.
"In the eastern part of the state, along the White River Refuge, you’re
likely to see native bears and bobcats, some of the more charismatic types of
wildlife. They’re going to be wary about getting around humans, so it’s hard to
spot them while hiking because they smell so well.
"In the Ouachita region, there’s deer and brown bear -- the bear were
transplanted from up north years ago.
"In the Jasper area, around Steel Creek, you can view elk easier while the
leaves are still down. It’s also a good time to see owls and hawks in their
native environment -- sharp chinned hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, red-tailed hawks,
barred owls and turkey vultures."
Another early spring treat -- the trumpeter swans that come to Magness Lake
near Greers Ferry. "There’s a pretty good brood up there," Roberg says. The
mating pair has been returning for several years now, and their flock now
numbers in the double digits.
Much of what you’ll find on your walk depends on what sort of environment
you’re entering.
"Around aquatic habitats, you’ll see spring peepers and tree falls in
February and early March. You’ll see snakes sunning themselves starting in early
spring. It’s a good idea to know your venomous snakes before you go out.
"Bats start coming out of hibernation in the spring. Several species
hibernate near creeks and around water because that’s where the insects are most
likely to be."
Roberg says you can see many forms of wildlife from your back porch. Spring
is a transitory period, where some birds are migrating north and others are
returning from the south. "A lot of the time, you’ll see birds that aren’t
native to Arkansas passing through. Hummingbirds will return in late spring. And
whistling quail will be here by the end of April.
"There’s also a growing resident Canadian geese population, which is becoming
a problem in certain areas. Dealing with them can be a nuisance."
Roberg says there are also a number of plants you can look out for.
"Probably the earliest flowering tree, the serviceberry, is common in
Arkansas. It has white blossoms even before the dogwood. Then of course there
are the red buds and dogwoods. Vernal witch hazel is blooming right now through
March. It has unusual blossoms, yellow or red flowers with four long curved
petals about a half inch long. It’s a fragrant shrub you’ll find in the Ouachita
and Ozark mountains.
"Jack-in-the-Pulpits, trout lilies, bellwarts, Dutchman’s britches, Celandine
poppies, Carolina jasmine… you should latch onto Carl Hunter’s book for lots of
information on when things flower and where you can find them," Roberg says.
Hunter’s book, Wildflowers of Arkansas, is available at many local
booksellers.
Roberg also suggests picking up another book.
"Anyone going to hike intentionally to see wildlife, needs to get a field
guide to the tracks of certain animals, scats, rubs of deer, scrapes of bobcats,
something to identify these things." In addition to the guides, Roberg suggests
bringing along binoculars and a pair of good shoes.
If you’d like more information, visit the extension's Web site,
www.uaex.edu, or contact your county extension agent. The Cooperative
Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
February 15, 2008
By Kat Robinson
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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